From budgeting to saving to investing to borrowing, keeping track of everything you need to be financially successful can be confusing in our ever-changing economy. Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) recognizes the challenges experienced by members and is excited to introduce LPL Financial and financial advisor, Chris Maynard. Chris recently joined me to talk about his decades of experience in many sectors of the financial world, as well as his passion for helping others get the most out of their money.
Chris Maynard’s younger self would be surprised to learn that his career would involve 18 years in the financial service industry. The reason? Chris originally earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Boston College. He explains that he, too, felt the uncertainty that many liberal arts students feel (your humble author included), and decided to follow his interests at the time. Chris’ first jobs after college involved writing: he held roles as a journalist at a computer trade magazine as well as positions in marketing and sales at software and IT service companies.
Chris transitioned from the tech world to the financial services industry shortly after the dotcom crash of the early 2000s, taking a position with Investors Bank & Trust, an entity now owned by State Street Corporation. In 2017, he moved into providing financial services to individuals and families after taking a position with Merrill (formerly known as Merrill Lynch). He then entered the world of retail banking when he joined Citizens Bank in 2019.
“It was a purposeful decision to me to get out of the business-to-business sector and into the business-to-consumer sector because I was looking for ways to have an impact on individuals rather than corporations,” says Chris. “Instead of helping corporations make good decisions about products and services, I wanted to help people and individuals make good decisions about something that’s extremely important to them: their finances.”
Spending most of his career with investment companies and banks, Chris was initially unfamiliar with the role that credit unions played within communities. His interest was piqued after hearing that MVCU was looking to provide members with access to investment services through LPL Financial and needed a financial advisor..
Chris works with members of all ages and wealth levels. “My job is to help all members with any questions they have in the financial planning, investment and insurance areas, including retirement planning,” he describes. “Overall, I can help members make the most of their extra savings.” Upon meeting with a member, his process includes listening to their queries, concerns and financial goals, analyzing this information, then applying his knowledge and experience to the member’s situation to provide tailored advice and financial counseling.
Though it may seem like he has his hands full with his career, Chris’ non-work priorities include spending time with his wife, two adult sons and his extended family, and enjoying the outdoors. One of Chris’ favorite activities is power walks in the woods or on the beach. He grew up about 25 miles from New York City in Larchmont, NY, without easy access to nature. Chris recalls that he would have to drive 40 minutes to get to a decent state park. Now, he appreciates living in Massachusetts and enjoys the diverse environments that allow for a variety of activities.
"Aaron River Reservoir," Wompatuck State Park by Chris Maynard
“We’re very fortunate to now have lots of nature around us, so we can choose between the woods and the beach, and get fresh air, nature and exercise all at once,” Chris says. “Plus, in our area, you can turn around one way and go to the beach or turn another way and find a mountain.” When discussing his passion for the outdoors, Chris notes that he enjoys the mental benefits of spending time in nature as well as the physical, explaining that he always prefers outdoor exercise because it becomes “elevating for the mind as well.”
In addition to spending time in nature, Chris has recently taken up a new active hobby with his sons: disc golf. His sons introduced him to the sport this summer, and it has become both a unique pastime and a way for the family to spend time together. Chris’ sports interests also include watching (regular) golf and football.
Woodpecker Pond, Wompatuck State Park, by Chris Maynard
While Chris is based at MVCU’s Bridgewater branch, he holds regular hours at all South Shore and South Coast branches.
“Everything I have done and learned to this point has provided me with the capabilities to have a meaningful impact on people’s financial lives,” says Chris. “There’s so much to look forward to now. I’m excited to meet more members and teammates and contribute to the growth of the investment program and its ability to serve the complete spectrum of financial needs of members.”
Members can contact Chris by calling (508) 279-2404 or by emailing him at Chris.Maynard@lpl.com.
Chris Maynard is a financial advisor with, and securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Merrimack Valley Credit Union and Merrimack Valley Retirement & Investment Services are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Merrimack Valley Retirement & Investment Services, and may also be employees of Merrimack Valley Credit Union. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Merrimack Valley Credit Union or Merrimack Valley Retirement & Investment Services. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:
| Not Insured by NCUA or Any Other Government Agency | Not Credit Union Guaranteed | Not Credit Union Deposits or Obligations | May Lose Value |